Irvine man accused of attacking neighbor while naked makes 1st court appearance

SANTA ANA, Calif. (KABC) -- An Orange County man faced a judge Monday on charges he attacked his elderly neighbor.

Police say Craig Ledbetter, 51, was naked when he pushed the woman down then punched and kicked her.

Standing behind his attorney, Ledbetter made his first court appearance Monday. The Irvine man is accused of attacking a neighbor, 75-year-old Sara Hurtado, who was out walking her family's dog.

Eyewitnesses say he was allegedly naked and screaming curse words before he started punching her. Now, he faces serious charges.

"Three felony counts: one for attempted murder, elder abuse and also battery with serious bodily injury," said Roxi Fyad with the Orange County District Attorney's Office.

He also faces a misdemeanor count of animal abuse for allegedly swinging the dog over his shoulder, and a misdemeanor for resisting arrest. Officers say they had to use a Taser on him before taking him into custody.

As for the victim, she continues to heal.

"Still has a cast on her shoulder, in a lot of pain, can now see partially out her eyes," said Neil Fitzsimons, the victim's son-in-law.

Fitzsimons says even though his mother-in-law is scheduled to be released from the hospital Monday, he's worried about her long-term health.

"I don't know that she'll ever be the same," said Fitzsimons. "It's going to be a very long road to recovery."

Fitzsimons says his family wants justice, and he plans to watch the case closely. After moving to Irvine just three months ago, he says he's looking to get out.

"Yes, technically it's the safest city in the U.S., but it's not the safest city in the United States for us," said Fitzsimons. "And the memories are too traumatic."

If convicted of all charges, Ledbetter faces a maximum of 12 years in state prison. He's due back in court on Oct. 23.